Claims & Denials

A claim denial is not always the end of the process. It is a decision made by a person applying policy language to a set of facts — and both the language and the facts can be examined, questioned and appealed.

This is the section this site was built around. Most insurance content is written to help you buy a policy. Very little is written to help you when something goes wrong afterward.

What you'll find in this section

• Reading your denial letter. Every denial cites a reason. Understanding which one you received determines what you can do about it.
• The appeal process. Internal appeals, what documentation helps, and the deadlines that apply.
• Disputing a valuation. When the offer is lower than expected, on a vehicle or on property damage.
• Your state regulator. Every state has a Department of Insurance that accepts consumer complaints. It is free and it creates a formal record.

What we will not tell you

We will not tell you that you are going to win. Outcomes depend on your policy language, your state's law, your documentation and the specific facts of your loss. What we can do is explain the process clearly, point you to the official channels, and make sure you know what your deadlines are.

For claims involving significant money, a licensed public adjuster or an attorney in your state may be worth consulting. Your state Department of Insurance can also tell you what your rights are at no cost.